In keeping with the use of “Plain Language” to reach all Americans with health information, the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), the largest single-site epidemiological study investigating predictors of cardiovascular disease in African Americans, requires JHS investigators to submit lay summaries with final manuscripts. We developed the Lay Summary Pilot Project as a bidirectional learning opportunity for JHS scholars and investigators. Results suggested that lay summaries increase the value of sharing research with scientific and nonscientific audiences and publishing lay summaries benefits communities by translating scientific research into useful health information.
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